PUEBLO, Colo. — The city of Pueblo is once again mourning, gripped by grief and frustration, as yet another young life has been stolen by gun violence. In what has become a tragic and all-too-familiar pattern, Pueblo Police responded to the city’s 12th homicide of the year, less than thirty minutes after investigating their 11th — a grim reminder of the escalating violence that continues to devastate the community. Authorities say officers were dispatched to the 1100 block of East Abriendo Avenue early Saturday morning after reports of gunfire in the area. When officers arrived, they discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were quickly transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. For a brief time, there was hope that both would survive. But by 10:20 a.m., one of the victims — 21-year-old Eric Torres — succumbed to his injuries, leaving behind a family and community shattered by his sudden, senseless death. Eric Torres was described by those who knew him as a bright, kind, and hardworking young man who had his whole life ahead of him. Friends and relatives remember him as someone full of laughter and warmth, always willing to help others and spread positivity wherever he went. “He wasn’t just a good kid — he was a good soul,” said one family member. “He loved his family, his friends, and his community. He didn’t deserve this.” Police have not yet released details about possible suspects or motives, but the investigation remains active. The second shooting victim, whose identity has not been publicly released, remains hospitalized and is expected to recover. Detectives from the Pueblo Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit are asking anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. The news of Eric’s death has sent shockwaves through Pueblo, where residents say they are growing weary of the relentless gun violence that continues to claim young lives. Community leaders, faith organizations, and local advocates are calling for urgent action to address what many now describe as a “crisis of violence.” “This has to stop,” said one local pastor at a vigil held Sunday night in Eric’s memory. “We are losing our sons, our brothers, our future. Pueblo is hurting. We can’t keep lighting candles — we need to change what’s happening in our streets.” At the vigil, dozens of mourners gathered to honor Eric’s life, lighting candles and releasing balloons into the sky. Photos of the 21-year-old, smiling and full of life, were displayed alongside messages of love and heartbreak. “Gone too soon,” one sign read. “Forever in our hearts.” Family and friends say Eric had big dreams and a deep love for his community. He was known for his kindness and loyalty — the kind of person who brought people together, no matter where he went. “He just had a way of making everyone feel like family,” said one close friend. “You couldn’t help but smile when you were around him.” As investigators work to uncover what led to the fatal shooting, the Pueblo community continues to rally together in grief and solidarity. Many are demanding greater investment in youth programs, violence prevention initiatives, and community outreach to help curb the violence that has plagued the city in recent years. For now, Eric Torres’s family is left with memories — of his laughter, his dreams, and the love he gave so freely. His death is not just another statistic; it’s a deep, personal loss felt by everyone who knew him. “Eric had so much ahead of him,” a family member shared through tears. “He was loved more than he could ever know. We just want justice — and peace, so no other family has to feel this kind of pain.” The Pueblo Police Department urges anyone with information about the incident to contact Detective Marcus Smith at (719) 553-2502 or call Pueblo Crime Stoppers anonymously at (719) 542-STOP. As Pueblo grieves the loss of Eric Torres, his name joins too many others in a growing list of young lives cut short. The community stands united in mourning — and in a collective hope that one day, peace will finally return to their streets.